Date of Completion
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Keywords
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), peanut shells, pharmaceutical excipient, FTIR analysis
Abstract
Introduction: Peanut shells, commonly discarded as agricultural waste or used as low-value fertilizers, represent a potential alternative source of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). This study aimed to extract and characterize MCC from peanut shells (MCC-PS), evaluate its physicochemical properties using United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards, and assess its excipient compatibility with commonly used pharmaceutical excipients via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Given that MCC properties vary depending on the source and extraction method, this study contributes to the search for sustainable, cost-effective pharmaceutical excipients.
Methods: MCC-PS was extracted through a three-step process involving alkaline pretreatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis. The extracted product was subjected to USP quality tests, standard physicochemical evaluations (crystallinity, particle size, swelling capacity), and a 28-day compatibility study with six commonly used pharmaceutical excipients under ten storage conditions, analyzed via FTIR.
Results and Discussion: The extraction yielded 46.96% MCC-PS with a crystallinity index of 52.31%, particle size ranging from 18.98 to 78.89 µm, and 100% swelling capacity. Of the 13 USP tests conducted, MCC-PS passed 12, failing only the residue on ignition test due to slightly elevated inorganic impurities (0.2189%). FTIR analysis showed stable interactions between MCC- PS and individual excipients. However, the mixture containing all excipients exhibited a visual color change (blue), suggesting possible incompatibility or degradation under combined conditions.
Conclusion: MCC derived from peanut shells demonstrates promising characteristics as a pharmaceutical excipient, particularly as a diluent, binder, or filler, due to its high crystallinity, small particle size, and excellent swelling capacity. Further purification or processing may be required to address USP compliance regarding inorganic residues.
First Advisor
Rica Marie M. Karikitan, RPh, MS
Second Advisor
Diana Dalisay A. Orolfo, RPh, MPH
APA Citation
Azucena, P. E.,
Cacho, J. P.,
Daño, K. C.,
Larroza, A. G.,
Mabanes, J. I.,
&
Tayag, A. G.
(2024).
Characterization and excipient compatibility study of Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) extracted from peanut shells (Arachis hypogaea l. fam. Fabaceae).
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.
Retrieved from https://greenprints.dlshsi.edu.ph/bsp/110